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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Tim Weaver

Seahawks have 4 of ESPN’s top 100 ranked picks in the 2024 NFL draft

Seahawks NFL ESPN Seattle Sataoa Laumea AJ Barner Byron Murphy II DJ James Byron Murphy Auburn

The Seattle Seahawks got at least a few high-value picks in the 2024 NFL draft. They’ve gotten universal acclaim for taking Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy in Round 1, who is considered by many analysts to be the top defensive player in the entire draft class. Seattle also may have landed a few sleeper picks on Day 3, depending on who you ask. For example, ESPN just came out with a ranking of the top 100 picks in the draft and the Seahawks had some surprising names make the cut.

Here’s how Matt Miller describes ESPN’s process for the rankings:

“To create our ranking, we factored in value (where a player was drafted vs. where he was ranked pre-draft), scheme fit, how the selection addressed a need, what the prospect brings on the field and whether additional assets were gained or lost in draft-day trades to acquire him.”

Seattle had four players make Miller’s list. Here’s who they are and where they ranked.

Texas DT Byron Murphy II: No. 13

MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 05: Defensive lineman Byron Murphy II #90 of the Texas Longhorns tackles running back DJ Giddens #31 of the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

Ranked No. 13, picked No. 16

“Throughout the pre-draft process I was told the Seahawks were the latest that Murphy would be picked. That proved to be true. He’s an ideal scheme fit for new coach Mike MacDonald and can be Seattle’s version of Justin Madubuike at the 3-technique spot. When assessing the value and scheme fit of the Murphy selection, Seattle made an A+ pick in the first round.”

Auburn CB D.J. James: No. 60

AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 19: Cornerback D.J. James #4 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball by tight end Joshua Simon #6 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half of play at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Ranked No. 101, picked No. 192

“The Seahawks have a prototype at cornerback, and James fits the mold. He’s a long, lean cornerback with good speed but not great burst. He’s also instinctive and does a great job swatting away passes. Even as a sixth-round pick, James could work into the lineup alongside Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon.”

Utah OL Sataoa Laumea: No. 75

Jan 30, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea of Utah (73) drills during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Ranked No. 125, picked No. 179

“I had a starting grade on Laumea in a power run scheme after watching him pancake Pac-12 defenders for the past two years. Seattle signed Laken Tomlinson in free agency, but Laumea and fellow rookie Christian Haynes should be viewed as potential starters on the interior of the line — checking a huge need for Seattle.”

Michigan TE AJ Barner: No. 93

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (35) tries to make a tackle on Michigan Wolverines tight end AJ Barner (89) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State lost 30-24.

Ranked No. 173, picked No. 121

“Seattle has Noah Fant as the starting tight end, and while the veteran is a good player, he is not an in-line option. Barner will take over that role, where his expertise as a run blocker fits with new coach Mike MacDonald’s style of football. Barner has more upside as a pass-catcher than he showed in college, making him one of my favorite offensive breakout candidates from Day 3.”